The Spirit’s Clear Mandate to Apostle Paul
Pastor Zubeda Sing · 2 min read
“But when God, who had chosen me and set me apart before I was born, and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles [as the good news—the way of salvation], I did not immediately consult with anyone [for guidance regarding God’s call and His revelation to me]. Nor did I [even] go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia and stayed awhile, and afterward returned once more to Damascus”
He chose me and set me apart . . . called me through His grace. Paul related that God had chosen him to be an apostle (v. 1) before his birth, not unlike Jeremiah’s call to be a prophet (Jer 1:5). Paul, like the Judaizers in Galatia, had previously tried to earn his salvation by works (v. 14). He needed no human validation because of the way he had received his message.
Paul didn’t simply drift from one city to another. He had a plan that he had received from God. Effective leaders do more than live from day to day; they devise a plan, share it with others and then implement it.
The apostle Paul instructed his associates Timothy and Titus concerning worship, leadership, organization and administration of the churches, as well as teaching them how to deal with the various groups within the assemblies. There was always careful instruction and detailed planning so every missionary trip was effective and started churches in every city the Apostle visited. He clearly understood his call and allowed the Holy Spirit to lead him and guide him.
Family of God, we need to take the time to study the epistles written by the Apostle Peter and Paul to establish how we can effectively carry out our mandate. God will work with our personalities and the methods he will use will be different but all the same at the end of the day, That Jesus may be glorified in us.
From the October 2026 issue, themed THE MANDATE & MISSION OF A THRIVER.
